I thought it was scary (laughs). It's not something you instinctively want to think about.
DEATH DAYS" is a story driven by an excellent setting. How did you decide on the script?
Morita:The setting of "a world where everyone knows the day of their death (Death Day) from the time they are born" was based on a conversation between Mr. Nagahisa and myself. I don't have a realistic view of death, and that's why I'm interested in life and death. . That's why I told him that I was interested in life and death. I have cried for a lifetime after the loss of my precious dog , and I have cried no tears at all at the death of someone equally precious to me. Death absolutely comes to everyone, and in a sense it is equal, but I just couldn't really feel what it was like, and there was no place for it to fit in my mind. These conversations led Mr. Nagahisa to come up with the idea of a story called "DEATH DAYS.
. You never really know what death is, do you, as long as you are alive? DEATH DAYS" has a simple setting and approaches a major theme, but how did you feel when you first read the script?
Morita:I thought it was scary (laughs). . it's something you instinctively don't want to think about, isn't it? It's interesting, but scary at the same time . But that's why I felt like I wanted to take on the challenge. It was a very high hurdle, but I wanted to jump into it. I was going to go for it no matter what came my way, but I thought, "Oh, DEATH DAYS..." (laughs). (laughs). I had to be prepared to play the role.
What kind of preparation did you do before the site?
Morita:. As always, I put the utmost importance on what was written in the script. I put the script in my mind first, including my own lines and those of the other actors, and then I go into the scene and see how they speak, how they move, and how my emotions are moved by their words and actions. I enjoy experiencing these things. Mr. Nagahisa films them in a stimulating way, and the film is completed. However, the filming was very painful (laughs).
What was the pain like?
Morita:Mr. Nagahisa's direction is unique in that he asks us not to put too much emotion into our words. This results in something very interesting and something I have never seen before. There is a gap between responding to a kind of dry direction and having to be present as a character with raw emotion. But that's why it was so stimulating for me. The cast members were all very interesting.
I was also impressed by Mr. Ishibashi's performance.
Morita:Mr. Ishibashi is very imposing, yet neutral, and seems to be doing his job without hesitation, while at the same time, I felt that he values feeling and acting with others. It was a lot of fun.
. The dialogue between Mr. Ishibashi and Mr. Morita, with its unique rhythm and a series of memorable phrases, was a real treat.
Morita:It's an amazing exchange of words, isn't it? I still feel like I'm speaking, no, it's different. ...... Mr. Ishibashi is really good, Himi-kun was very natural, and the two Momo members could just be there as if they were not thinking (laughs). Everyone is amazing.
The casting was also excellent. Morita-san, in particular, seemed to really exist in the scene. It was also interesting that despite the age difference between Morita-san and Himi-san, they seemed to be friends.
Morita:Well, I felt nothing but discomfort (laughs). But I didn't care if we looked like friends or not; I thought it would be interesting if we could transcend that. I thought it would be interesting if we could go beyond that. There must be something in plays and movies that transcends age.
I asked Mr. Nagahisa for advice on what I wanted to do, and he responded, "Oh, yes, that sounds interesting. He seriously considered my future vision and direction. I was extremely grateful for that. What I can give back to the audience is that they will enjoy the role of "me" in the film, be impressed by Mr. Nagahisa, and think that all the actors in the film are great, so I could really go for it. It was very important that we were able to build such a relationship of trust.
. It was only possible because everyone was working hard and thinking hard at their respective positions, wasn't it?
Morita:Yes, I do. But do you usually think about what I'm going to do? I'd be incredibly grateful.
. I think it's because it's Morita-san, and because Morita-san moves the hearts of those around him straight to the point.
Morita:It makes me happy to hear you say so at ....... . I have friends around me who are willing to give me their opinions regardless of the type of job, and I am sure I will meet more of them in the future, and that kind of thing is an irreplaceable joy.
I think that people around you stand tall, feeling at ease with Mr. Morita. . I think that is the charm of Ms. Morita. Director Nagahisa, of course,Michihiko Yanai of "Radio Wind and Rock" who recently appeared on the show., too, had grown fond of Mr. Morita.
Morita:(laughs) I guess so (nods shyly) .
